***POSITION IS HYBRID IN HUNTSVILLE, AL***Job SummaryThe Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for strategic oversight and operational management of all government contracts throughout their lifecycle - from capture and proposal development to negotiation, administration, and closeout ensuring all contracts are managed in strict compliance with FAR, DFARS, and related federal acquisition policies, while driving strategies that balance risk mitigation, profitability, and compliance. This role partners closely with Program Management, Finance, Business Development, and Legal to support pre-award and post-award activities, including contract negotiation, risk assessment, and execution. The position requires a seasoned contracts leader with deep GovCon expertise, proven negotiation success, and the ability to integrate contracting strategy with finance, legal, and business development functions and will play a pivotal role in shaping contracting policy, ensuring cost-effective execution, and supporting the company's growth from small or mid-tier contractor status into a competitive unrestricted prime.
As with any position, additional expectations exist. Some of these include, but are not limited to, adhering to normal working hours, meeting deadlines, following company policies as outlined by the Employee Handbook, communicating regularly with assigned supervisor(s), staying focused on assigned tasks, and completing other tasks as assigned.
Responsibilities- Serve as the primary point of contact for all contract administration activities, including new awards, modifications, extensions, and closeouts
- Review, analyze, and interpret contract terms and conditions to ensure compliance with company policies and government regulations
- Support proposal and capture teams in developing compliant contract responses, pricing structures, and risk assessments
- Lead contract negotiations with customers, subcontractors, and teaming partners
- Coordinate with Legal and Finance to ensure alignment between contract obligations, billing, and financial reporting
- Prepare and maintain contractual documents, including NDAs, Teaming Agreements, Subcontracts, and Task Orders
- Ensure timely submission of deliverables, contract reports, and modifications
- Advise program teams on contract interpretation, risk mitigation, and change management
- Conduct internal audits to monitor compliance and identify areas for improvement
- Serve as an internal subject matter expert on FAR/DFARS, SBA regulations, and organizational policies related to procurement and contracting
- Mentor junior contract staff and assist in developing scalable contract management procedures
Strategic Objectives- Strengthen Compliance and Governance: Build a contracting framework that ensures 100% compliance with FAR/DFARS and internal policies
- Mitigate Risk Proactively: Identify, quantify, and manage contractual and regulatory risks at every stage of the contract lifecycle
- Enhance Negotiation Outcomes: Achieve favorable pricing, terms, and conditions through strategic negotiation and stakeholder alignment
- Optimize Proposal-to-Award Efficiency: Streamline capture, proposal, and contract award processes to improve competitiveness and win rates
- Develop Talent and Systems: Build a high-performing contracts team supported by modern tools, templates, and training for sustained operational excellence
1. Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the overall contracting strategy in alignment with corporate goals and risk appetite
- Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO, CFO, and COO on contractual and regulatory issues
- Drive standardization and continuous improvement of contract policies and tools
- Represent the organization in high-stakes negotiations and compliance reviews
2. Team Management and Development- Lead and mentor a team of contracts managers, administrators, and analysts
- Implement career development and certification pathways (CPCM, CFCM)
- Establish a collaborative, accountable, and compliance-driven team culture
3. Compliance and Risk Management- Ensure adherence to FAR, DFARS, SBA, ITAR and agency-specific supplements
- Review contracts for legal, financial, and performance risks and develop mitigation plans
- Lead internal audits and external compliance responses with DCAA, DCMA, or agency inspectors
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and train staff accordingly
4. Contract Negotiations and Pricing- Lead negotiations for multi-year, multi-million-dollar contracts and subcontracts
- Partner with finance, capture, and legal teams to define terms, conditions, and pricing models
- Ensure cost proposals are fully compliant and defensible in audits and negotiations
- Maintain positive relationships with Contracting Officers and government stakeholders
5. Proposal and Capture Support- Oversee proposal strategy and ensure compliant, compelling submissions
- Review RFIs, RFPs, and amendments to identify requirements, risks, and opportunities
- Provide contractual input during capture planning and pricing reviews
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of contract modifications and renewals
6. Contract Administration- Manage the full contract lifecycle: award, execution, modifications, and closeout
- Track deliverables, funding, and performance obligations
- Maintain a centralized, audit-ready contract repository and document control system
- Coordinate with finance for invoicing, funding status, and billing accuracy
7. Stakeholder and Client Relations- Serve as the primary interface for contract matters with executives, legal counsel, auditors, and government representatives
- Ensure cross-functional coordination between Contracts, Operations, and Program Management
- Support small business subcontracting compliance and reporting
Basic Qualifications- U.S. Citizenship Required
- Active Secret Clearance Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, or related field
- 15+ years in government contracting, with 7+ years in leadership or management roles
- Comprehensive understanding of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, SBA and other federal acquisition regulations
- Strong leadership, negotiation, risk management and analytical skills with attention to contractual detail
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple contracts and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively at all organizational levels
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with contract management systems
- If applicable: If you are or have been recently employed by the U.S. government, a post-employment ethics letter will be required if employment with VSolvit is offered
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Business, Law, Contract Management, or related discipline
- NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, or NCMA)
- Experience with cost-plus, fixed-price, and T&M contract types
- Experience supporting Navy, Marine Corps, or other DoD customers
- Prior experience with JAMIS, Deltek, or similar ERP systems
